Golden Mage - Chapter 3

Volume 1, Episode 3

Junseong found Miji’s hesitant way of speaking somewhat cute and chuckled, nodding in agreement.

“It’s not that difficult. I’m poor and always hungry, so I can eat a lot. But are you sure about this? Outback can be expensive.”

“Uh, uh? Is it okay?”

Miji brightened up upon Junseong’s acceptance.

“Of course. It’s my favorite thing in the world, free food.”

Junseong’s cheerful smile made Miji smile as well.

Finally, the national college entrance exam was over.

Junseong had finished the exam with relatively good scores. The results were a little higher than he had expected, so he could smile with satisfaction.

And one day passed.

“Han Miji, are you sure you’ll be okay? This place can be expensive. It’s Outback, after all.”

Junseong looked around the restaurant that Miji had brought him to, with its rustic wooden decorations and cozy lighting, reminding everyone that it was certainly not an affordable place.

In response, Miji pouted slightly.

“Are you bragging about being rich in front of me now? Hmph! If it’s the pro-gamer Lee Junhyeok, he must be winning all the time, so he must have a lot of money.”

Even with debts of 650 million won…

“I’m not rich, you know? I’m quite poor…”

Junseong said with a dry smile.

While others might see him as wealthy, the truth was that Junseong’s living conditions were only slightly better than those of the lower class. With the mountain of debt he had to repay, he couldn’t afford to think about being wealthy.

But he couldn’t share all this with Miji. With a sigh, he had to accept it.

Seeing him sigh, Miji’s expression changed, and she quickly spoke up.

“Why don’t we forget about that for now? The college entrance exam is over, so let’s enjoy ourselves. Shall we order something delicious?”

“Really? Okay, let’s do it. Since it’s my first time at Outback, you should treat me to something tasty.”

“Sure thing!”

They ordered their food and enjoyed their meal to their heart’s content. After settling the bill and leaving the restaurant, Miji hesitated as they stood by the entrance. She seemed to be hesitant to part ways just like that.

Junseong thought, ‘Well, it’s probably fine for today.’

The combination of finishing the college entrance exam and having a nice meal gave him a sense of relief. He felt a little more open to spending some money.

He didn’t think that spending a bit of money today would leave a big mark on the pile of debts. So, with a smile on his face, he suggested to Miji.

“Don’t you think it’s a little sad to part ways like this? How about going to see a movie?”

“Really? Are you serious?”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

“Okay!”

Junseong and Miji headed to a nearby movie theater.

The streets were bustling with people, perhaps because the college entrance exam had just ended, or it was the end of the year. Couples walked hand in hand, exuding a sense of romance.

Junseong and Miji also walked side by side, and their appearance was no different from the other couples.

As they strolled quietly, Miji called out to Junseong.

“Junseong, do you hate being famous?”

It was a somewhat sudden question. But realizing what he meant by that, Junseong forced a bitter smile.

“Why do you think I became a pro-gamer?”

“Hmm… I don’t know.”

Miji made a thoughtful expression and then seemed to come to a conclusion.

“Maybe because you love games? People start playing games for fun, then they want to win, and finally, they strive to become the best. Isn’t that the reason?”

It was a typical answer. Most pro-gamers would probably give the same response.

But Junseong didn’t belong to that category.

Junseong shook his head with a wry smile.

“Well, of course, I liked games too. But… I became a pro-gamer to make money.”

“Money?”

Miji looked surprised at his answer.

The reason he became a pro-gamer was not to be famous or to enjoy games to the fullest. He had chosen this path because it was relatively easy to earn money that way. He wasn’t sure if he had any exceptional talent, but he could win without putting in as much effort as others. It saved time. “Mi-Ji-ya, think about it. How do you think people would react if I became famous just for doing something to make money?”

Miji saw the seriousness in Junseong’s eyes.

“Uh, well…”

However, she couldn’t understand his feelings and hesitated in her response.

Junseong’s smile turned bitter. To expect others to understand when he himself couldn’t was a bit ridiculous.

“Junseong…”

Miji looked at Junseong with a gaze that seemed to say she wanted to understand him more deeply.

But…

Before she could say anything, she noticed something on the road ahead. A little girl was about to run onto the road.

“No! It’s dangerous!”

Miji screamed and rushed towards the road.

Seeing Miji running towards the road, Junseong was taken aback and shouted in surprise.

“Han Miji!”

Words turned into actions immediately.

Junseong grabbed Miji and pushed her aside. However, he couldn’t move himself out of the way in time.

A white flash filled Junseong’s vision, and then his body slammed onto the ground.

Everything was hazy. He could barely see Miji crying and calling his name.

Stupid. He should have laughed since he survived.

Junseong felt himself slipping away as he gazed up at the sky.

He closed his eyes.